How to Throw a Post-Wedding Brunch

Whether you’re a "brunch person" or not, one thing is certain: you, your new spouse, and your guests will be ravenous after a long night of celebrating (and dancing!). To ensure everyone leaves your wedding weekend satisfied, a post-wedding brunch is a great way to say goodbye to loved ones while giving them one last taste of your epic wedding style. From cocktails to coffee, we asked the experts on what to provide when planning the brunch event of your dreams.

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Keep it simple.

Morning Light Photography

When inviting guests to celebrate with you the day following your wedding, feel free to keep it simple. “Everyone really just wants to get together to relive the magic of the celebration from the evening before,” says Diana Venditto, owner and creative director at Eventi Floral & Events. “If you’re able to give everyone a place to sit, delicious coffee, some fresh fruit, biscuits and a bit of protein, they will be happy to sit and reminisce with you and your guests.”

Recycle your florals.

BrittRene Photography

“Hosting a post-wedding brunch is a great way to say thank you and goodbye to your guests,” says Heidi Hughett, co-owner and lead designer at Coastside Couture, who suggests keeping your brunch light and easy. “This is also a great opportunity to reuse florals from your wedding or rehearsal dinner. Switch out containers for a fresh look.”

Elect for intimate.

Emily Blumberg

“Following your big day, keep it intimate with a celebratory brunch of close family and friends,” says Kara Stutzman, sales manager at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, who emphasizes a smaller guest count for your setup. Take this opportunity to reminisce on all the great wedding memories and show some love to all who helped plan the big day.

Curate a playful dessert.

Whitney Neal

“Don’t be afraid to start the morning with something sweet,” says Mike Wajda, executive chef at 21c Museum Hotel’s Proof on Main. Elevate your brunch with a treat made from local ingredients that spotlights your day and location. “We love this Duncan Farms apple crostata with Togarashi caramel,” Wajda adds.

Go for an authentic picnic experience.

Eric Kelley

Christina Millikin, owner of Glow Events, suggests throwing a beautiful, simple garden picnic as a whimsical alternative to the traditional brunch setup. “Think fresh berries, warm baked bread with jams and cheeses, and other elevated yet easy menu items,” she says. In addition to whatever garden furniture is available, overflow seating can be a mix of patterned blankets with throw pillows for an authentic picnic experience.

Plan a wholesome menu.

Courtesy of Cloud Catering

Healthy and hearty breakfast options are crucial for recovering after a long of night of dancing and celebrating. “Something that can really help in recovery is fresh-pressed juices,” says Bill Coyne, director of business development at Cloud Catering. “Fresh berries are also an incredible source of antioxidants,” he adds. Consider healthy and allergy-free options to guarantee that each guest finds something that they enjoy.

Craft keepsakes.

Cory Weber

“Give guests a keepsake they can enjoy for years to come by incorporating potted herbs and boxwood into the wedding florals on the big day and then repurpose them for the morning after brunch, sending guests and loved ones with a gift they can enjoy in their homes and gardens,” says Sheila Dodson-Wright, creative director and owner of Tableau Events. Add a personal tag or thank you note within the pot for an extra special touch.

Strategize fork-free foods.

Courtesy of Blue Plate Catering

If you want to eliminate the possibility of a formal brunch setup altogether, Megan Frasca, sales consultant at Blue Plate Catering, recommends food options that guests can easily transport. “These stuffed, handheld crepes offer a great option for guests who want to say their goodbyes, but are also headed out the door,” Frasca says. “They can have the best of both worlds by saying goodbye to friends and family while also enjoying some delicious food!”

Create an intimate event at home.

Docuvitae

Hosting at your home makes for the day spent with family and friends that much more special. “Without the time restrictions of hosting at a restaurant or venue where you are required to arrive and leave a specific time, hosting at home sets a more mellow tone,” says Lyndsey Hamilton, creative director of Lyndsey Hamilton Events. “For this Southern California brunch, we wanted to have a completely different palette from the wedding, so we infused patterned chargers and plates, mixing pieces that were more playful.”

Set up a bar.

Michael and Anna Costa Photography

“If hosting alcohol for a brunch affair, we love bars with a variety of mixers for your champagne or a do-it-yourself Bloody Mary bar where guests can mix and match a custom cocktail,” says Sonia Hopkins, founder of XOXO Bride Events, who also recommends a setup of other takeaway beverages. “Don't underestimate a good coffee and tea bar. It is a go-to item the next day, so why not play it up?"

Incorporate details from your day.

Maya Myers Photography

If hosting a destination wedding weekend, consider throwing a farewell brunch that incorporates your venue or chosen city. “To top off an extraordinary wedding in Brooklyn, we planned brunch on the top of the William Vale with sweeping views of the New York skyline.,” says Leslie Mastin, president of Leslie Mastin Events. “We tried to incorporate the unique characteristics of Brooklyn throughout the wedding and the brunch,” she adds, including personalized coffee sleeves, bright pink blooms, and a bar full of brunch bites for guests to enjoy.

Embrace a muted color palette.

Jeremy Russell Photography

Eatherley Schultz, founder of Floressence Flowers, suggests for an elegant and casual post-wedding brunch, muted tones in floral to help keep the vibes mellow and grounded. “Avoid going over-the-top, keeping the wedding the night before the main event,” Schultz says.

Consider non-brunch foods.

Birds of a Feather

If you want to throw an event that’s later in the day (brunch is technically anytime between breakfast and lunch), then consider hosting with non-breakfast foods. “Your guests will most likely be very hungry the next morning, so offering a wider variety of foods that don’t necessarily fall under the breakfast category, can sometimes be the best option,” says Lisa Gorjestani, owner of Details Event Planning.

Dine alfresco.

Courtesy of EverAfter Events

There’s nothing like fresh air and the backdrop of your unique venue to create a relaxing atmosphere for an outdoor brunch. “An open-air gathering following a night of celebration will provide the perfect end to your wedding weekend,” says Merilee Hennings, owner of EverAfter Events.

Strive for natural hair and makeup.

Mel Barlow & Co.

After a previous day full of nail appointments, makeup looks, and updos, try and spend your morning-after brunch feeling (and looking!) as relaxed and carefree as possible. Dani Wagener, owner of Dani Wagener Beauty, recommends a simple blowout for a post-wedding brunch, as well as a soft natural lip with dewy fresh skin. Even if your brunch outfit is a little on the glam side, don’t be afraid to tone down the other components of your beauty routine.

Reuse your venue.

Jen Kroll Photography

“An unseen transformation of a previously-known area adds an element of surprise and excitement,” says Alicia Fritz, founder of A Day in May Events. Reusing part of your venue for your brunch can be effective for many reasons, let alone the savings. “Guests remain familiar with navigating the venue while also feeling comfortable in the space, even with updates to the floor plan and décor that come with the alteration," Fritz adds.

Take advantage of a casual affair.

Priscilla Thomas

“Remember most of your guests were probably up late and have flights to catch,” says Christina Baxter, owner of Cibi Events, emphasizing the fact that most guests don’t want to prep for a formal brunch after a lengthy night. “Buffets and breakfast stations are best, along with a build your own Bloody Mary, which is always a hit.” Consider having to-go cups at the coffee station, and a complimentary copy of the day’s newspaper.

Place festive signage.

Studio This Is

“The post-wedding brunch is the final event of your wedding weekend so make sure to be as thoughtful with the details as you were with the wedding day,” says Kelly Cavanaugh, owner of Clementine Custom Events. Some ideas include a good morning sign to welcome everyone, a good bye and travel safely sign for exit, or even a sign taken from the reception the day before. Repurposing decor from your day will add special decorative elements to your brunch space.

Consider edible favors.

Aaron Delesie

If planning a post-wedding event, it’s important to take into consideration what type of travel arrangements your guests may have and plan your times accordingly. “Guests may only have time for a quick goodbye before they depart so it’s wise to provide easy grab-and-go menu options,” says Keely Thorne, owner of Keely Thorne Events. Tasty treats that double as favors will also go a long way in both décor and hospitality.

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